The Senate urges President Tinubu to establish a military barracks in Funtua Zone after bandit attacks claimed at least 35 lives in Katsina
The Senate on Wednesday expressed deep concern over escalating bandit attacks in Katsina State, particularly in the Funtua Zone, where coordinated assaults reportedly killed at least 35 people within 24 hours across three local government areas.
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The matter was raised through a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Dandutse Mohammed (Katsina South), calling for immediate federal intervention and the establishment of a military barracks in the region.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio admitted the motion after it received overwhelming support.
Dandutse revealed that attacks in Faskari, Bakori, Funtua, and Kankara LGAs left 35 dead, with an ambush on Mobile Police Force personnel in Guga, Bako LGA, killing three policemen and critically injuring two others.
He warned that more than 50,000 farmlands remain uncultivated, threatening food security and livelihoods in the agrarian region.
“The continuous bandit attacks will significantly affect food production and agricultural activities,” Dandutse said.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau urged increased troop deployment, advanced technology, and decisive action to combat banditry, while Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) highlighted the urgent need to implement a permanent military formation in the area.
Senator Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West) warned against negotiating with armed groups, describing such moves as counterproductive and dangerous.
“Negotiating with bandits empowers them while pretending to fight them,” he said.
Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to:
- Urge President Tinubu to establish a military barracks in Funtua Zone.
- Direct the Inspector-General of Police to equip the new police squadron with at least three Armoured Personnel Carriers.
- Call on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and NEMA to provide immediate relief to affected families.
The chamber observed a one-minute silence in honour of the victims and stressed the importance of modern surveillance technology, including drones, to secure remote areas.
Senate President Akpabio assured lawmakers that the National Assembly would prioritize increased military funding in the 2026 budget and follow up on resolutions to ensure timely fund release.
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Three months ago, the Senate also called for 100,000 additional military recruits to counter rising insurgency and banditry nationwide, reflecting growing legislative concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
